UN says poverty is fueling trade of hazardous waste exports to poor countries

The Associated Press ,  Bali   |  Thu, 06/26/2008 1:27 PM  |  World

Many poor countries accept toxic waste from abroad, such as old computers, rusted ships and pesticides, as part of a shortsighted bid to lift themselves out of poverty, despite the dangers to
human health and the environment, a U.N. rights official said Thursday.

Okechukwu Ibeanu, a special rapporteur of the Human Rights Council, also told delegates meeting to discuss the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal that rich nations must do their part to help developing countries build sustainable and environmentally sound economies.

"Many developing countries, despite sometimes knowing the dangers of the waste, continue to accept hazardous products and toxic waste due to poverty and the quest for development," Ibeanu
said.

"Is it worth the short term monetary gain? Is it worth people falling sick ... precious water sources contaminated permanently?" he asked. "I believe that we need to think of a better solution to generate income and development."

The Basel Convention, as its known, was created in 1989 as a response to "toxic ships" attempting to offload their cargo in poor nations. With measures allowing countries to ban imports and requiring exporters to gain consent before sending toxic materials abroad, it was seen as the best hope to end the mountains of waste that were reaching poor countries.

But almost two decades later, critics including environmentalists and African nations contend the accord has failed to stem the flow of toxic waste and keep pace with a rapidly changing trade that is increasing global in nature. They contend that insufficient funds, widespread corruption and the absence of the United States as a participant have undermined the pact.

Delegates over the next two days are expected to put forth a number of proposals to strengthen the convention, including a long-standing call to ban to export of hazardous waste, as well as proposals to factor environmental-sound recycling into the mix. Others want to boost funding to the convention's 14 regional centers that provide technical support and training to poor nations.

They are also will discuss measures aimed at better regulating the recycling of contaminated old ships, mostly in South Asia, as well as industry-supported guidelines on recycling old phones and computers.(**)

Copyright © 2008 The Jakarta Post - PT Bina Media Tenggara. All Rights Reserved.